Valentine’s Day is often reserved for the lovers: tables for two, dine-ins for two, seats on the back row of the cinema for two... It’s a holiday designed for celebrations à deux. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether you have a significant other or 10 platonic ones, really, the 14 February is just an excuse to celebrate love. And who better to celebrate in life than your pals? The friends who are there at every twist and turn life brings; who pick you up when you’re down and lift you higher on the best days.
So, we say, go big. Much of the dating landscape now is about being ‘chill’ – not texting too much, not showing you care too soon. But with your friends, you can let that love loose. Throw the Palentine’s dinner party. Handwrite the menu. Fill your home with pinks and reds and lace and drama and curate an evening of pure joy to celebrate the people who personify joy in your life. (And if you’re looking for some gifts to get them, we’ve got you.)
Here’s everything you need for the ultimate Palentine’s setup – let the love-in begin...
A vodka-spiked Dirty Shirley feels like the perfect pink pour to welcome guests to a Palentine’s dinner. It’s on-theme: cheeky, with a sweet finish. Just like you. £18, Black Lines (Not drinking? Stock up on their OG Shirley Temple)
Is it really a Valentine’s gathering if you don’t light some candles? And if you’re going to set the mood, do it in style with the gentle red flow of Snif’s Big Flirt candle. If the name doesn’t win you over, the scent will: the heavenly trio of strawberry, chocolate and champagne will linger long after guests have gone. From $34, Snif
The Personalised Place Settings To Show You Care
Nothing says you care quite like a handwritten note – and this martini-themed menu and place card set from Big Night and Sunday Gelato will bring that extra layer of thought to your tablescape. $26, Big Night
We’re Not Really Strangers is a failsafe ice-breaker card game, but this V-Day, might we suggest you try The Ick Edition? This pack offers up questions to consider when you’re getting the ‘ick’ – to see if it’s worth calling time or putting in a little more effort. A must for those in the dating game. $12, We’re Not Really Strangers
The Galentine’s-Approved Napkins
If it’s a night specifically for the girls, then these slogan napkins are an obvious choice. All that’s left to do is serve up Caesar salads, fries and an ice-cold white wine. £20.81 for two, Maison Flaneur
They say lobsters mate for life (at least, Phoebe does in Friends), so bring that energy to your soul-friend gathering with this precious lobster platter from &KLEVERING. Great for loading up with welcome bites. 59.95€, &KLEVERING
Set the table and the mood with these statement plates – a great reminder that good food and good company are really all you need. £15 each, Maegen
The Centrepiece So Good, You’ll Design Your Whole Table Around It
No dinner party set-up is complete without flickering candlelight, and this wonderfully OTT glass spiral design by Sophie Lou Jacobsen doubles up as both candlestick and centrepiece. £144.96, Sophie Lou Jacobsen
You’ll need some chic candles to go in your Sophie Lou Jacobsen candlestick – and for an occasion such as this, take things to new heights with Metre’s table candles (yes, they’re a metre high). We love the raspberry shade for a blushing glow. £24 for two, Metre Candles
For wine, water or anything you’re pouring into people’s glasses, this Bisous decanter from Maison Balzac means you’ll be serving with love – the ‘kiss’ stopper is the cutest touch, for Palentine dinners or to brighten up your artfully curated shelves. AUD $129, Maison Balzac
Silver serve ware is the professional touch you can easily bring into your own home, and Service Projects is where you’ll find all the options. Just a few scoops piled into these angular ice cream cups is enough for a final flourish, without you having to do any more cooking. £80 for four, Service Projects
Don’t let your guests leave tired – perk them up with both caffeine and love with Anna + Nina’s precious slogan espresso cups (also great for morning ginger shots – we speak from experience). Dot these along the table to remind everyone why you’re throwing this party. €11.95 each, Anna + Nina
For those who are in the dating trenches and feeling a little negative about Valentine’s, we’ve got the drink for you. One sip of this and you’ll be soothed by the fact that the only doom you’ll experience that night will be in your glass, not your love life. £21.99, Doom Juice at Selfridges
The Bottle Apron – Because Your Vino Deserves To Dress Up, Too
A chic little way to dress up your drinks – a great option if you have a friend that often brings a rogue wine choice to dinner. Simply slip this little lace number over the bottle and guests won’t realise they’re drinking your back-up tipple when the packaging looks this good. £30, Gohar World
Chocolate and Valentine’s Day go hand in hand, so send your pals home with a sweet treat as a reminder of what they are – in this case, the perfect catch. Guaranteed to make them smile. £8, The Chocolate Gift Company
